AC3.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of agencies in achieving social control(the Judiciary )

Question 1

How are judges often represented in the media?

Answer 1

• Old, white, upper-class males
• Out of touch with modern society
• Too soft on crime

Question 2

Why do some people say judges are out of touch?

Answer 2

• 71% are male
• Over 50% are aged 50+
• Only 5% are from ethnic minorities
• 74% went to Oxbridge
• Judge Pickles: “Who are the Beatles?”

Question 3

Is there evidence judges are not out of touch?

Answer 3

• Among judges under 40, most are women (51%)
• Warner study (Australia): Most people didn’t feel judges in their cases were out of touch

Question 4

Is there proof that judges are biased?

Answer 4

•Hard to prove
•Most offenders are young, making it hard to compare age bias
• No clear pattern of general bias

Question 5

Is there gender bias in the judiciary?

Answer 5

Some say judges show less empathy for female victims
• Leniency toward female offenders
• Example: Judge Pickles’ sentencing

Question 6

Is there class bias in the judiciary?

Answer 6

Yes, in some cases
Example: Lavinia Woodward (trainee doctor) avoided jail for stabbing her boyfriend because her skills were seen as too valuable

Question 7

What is the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme?

Answer 7

• Allows victims/public to challenge sentences
• Attorney General can ask Court of Appeal to increase a sentence for serious crimes (e.g. rape, murder)

Question 8

Does the Unduly Lenient Scheme show judges are too soft?

Answer 8

• Very few sentences are changed
• Suggests judges are not too lenient overall

Question 9

Is there evidence judges are too harsh?

Answer 9

Yes, in some cases
• Example: 2011 Riots – 18-year-old jailed for one day for stealing two Burberry t-shirts